βλέπω (blepō)
blepō
to see
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 120 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb blepō refers to the physical act of seeing, using the eyes to perceive light and shape. It describes the basic capacity for sight, often standing in direct contrast to blindness. In the Gospels, this distinction is clear when Jesus heals a man born blind in John 9:7, restoring his ability to look at the world around him.
Beyond physical vision, the word extends into mental and spiritual perception. It carries the sense of discerning truth or paying careful attention to what is happening. Jesus uses this broader meaning in Matthew 13:13, noting that while people have eyes, they do not truly see or understand the parables being told.
Translators often render blepō as "see," "look," or "behold" depending on context. The sources highlight its use in practical warnings, such as Mark 13:5, where Jesus tells disciples to look out for false teachers. This usage underscores the active nature of the verb; it is not just passive reception of images, but an engaged observation that requires attention and discernment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word blepō describes more than just the mechanical act of seeing with eyes. It invites us into a posture of attentive observation. In our daily lives, this calls for a mindful engagement with the world around us, noticing details that often pass by unnoticed. It is an invitation to look closely at people and situations with care.
Jesus uses this concept to highlight spiritual perception. He notes that physical sight does not automatically grant understanding. True seeing involves the heart and mind working together to discern truth. This challenges us to move beyond surface-level observations and seek deeper insight in our faith journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 120 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- seeing12×
- do take heed12×
- to see6×
- he sees5×
- do heed.4×
- being seen4×
- we see3×
- to see.3×
- looking3×
- do beware of3×
- I see3×
- you will look2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βλέπετε18×
- βλέποντες11×
- βλέπων10×
- βλέπεις9×
- βλέπει9×
- Βλέπετε7×
- βλέπωσιν6×
- βλέπειν6×
- βλέπουσιν5×
- βλέπομεν4×
- βλέπω3×
- βλέπετε·3×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 13:16
“But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear.
This verse highlights the blessedness of the disciples' spiritual perception, contrasting their ability to truly see with the blindness of others.
-
Matthew 5:28
but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Here the word describes internal gaze and intention, showing that true sight involves the heart's focus and desire.
-
Mark 8:18
Having eyes, don’t you see? Having ears, don’t you hear? Don’t you remember?
Jesus uses this term to rebuke his disciples for having physical eyes yet failing to perceive spiritual truths.
-
Matthew 6:4
so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
The Father sees in secret, emphasizing that God perceives the hidden motives and actions behind closed doors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does blepō mean in the New Testament?
How is blepō different from other words for seeing?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (120 verses across 16 books)
Matthew 17 verses
but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his…
Matthew 6:4so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Matthew 6:6But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret;…
Matthew 6:18so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in…
Matthew 7:3Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye?
Matthew 11:4Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see:
Matthew 12:22Then one possessed by a demon, blind and mute, was brought to him; and he healed him, so that the blind and mute man…
Matthew 13:13Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they don’t see, and hearing, they don’t hear, neither do they…
Matthew 13:14In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says, ‘By hearing you will hear, and will in no way understand;…
Matthew 13:16“But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear.
Matthew 13:17For most certainly I tell you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things which you see, and didn’t…
Matthew 14:30But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
Matthew 15:31so that the multitude wondered when they saw the mute speaking, the injured healed, the lame walking, and the blind…
Matthew 18:10See that you don’t despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of…
Matthew 22:16They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach…
Matthew 24:2But he answered them, “You see all of these things, don’t you? Most certainly I tell you, there will not be left here…
Matthew 24:4Jesus answered them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray.